How to wear and shop the nude tonal look for different Asian skin tones

Thanks to Monsieur Louboutin, the notion of nude being merely a shade of beige has finally become redefined in a big way. Here we show you how to do that head-to-toe tonal nude look for different Asian skintones

Welcome to the new nude. It’s a shame this has only become a hot topic in fashion over the last few years (Louboutin launched their Nudes range back in 2013, the first luxury brand to do so), when we’ve obviously all been hot shades of something since time began. However, it’s better late than never, right? Living in a country with skin tones ranging from pale to dark, the change is certainly necessary.

Here we show you items to shop if you’re in search of the tonal nude look championed by stars such as Kim Kardashian, her supermodel sis Kendall Jenner and olive-toned Chrissy Teigen. The power of nude? It elongates your body, makes you appear taller, slimmer – and if you’re rocking nude shoes, your legs will look endless. Merci to Chanel for first championing its lengthening power.

For fair skin with pink undertones

If you are naturally very pale and porcelain, like South Korean model Irene Kim, go for pinkish hued nudes or even all-out blush.

Shop Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle collection nudes. The collection has been expanded to include two new shades and several other styles such as pointy toe ballet flats. If you can’t see your shade in store, you can ask the lovely Louboutin staff to put in an order from the Hong Kong HQ! The 85mm heel height is perfect for everyday wear, whilst the 100mm is great for an evening out or those who can tolerate higher heels better.

Our girl Liu Wen, Chinese supermodel and all out game-changer for Asian faces in fashion, has fair skin with warmer undertones. Follow her lead and wear beiges and camels for a super chic head-toe-look. If you want to invest in real ‘nude’ underwear for every shade, we’re obsessed with British brand Nubian (that is available to shop and delivers to Singapore on ASOS and Nordstrom). It was founded by a former banker who saw a gap in the market for nude underwear which was sexy and flattering for every skin tone. They also have a range of hosiery for curvier women, so if you’re looking for tights for your next big event, pay them a visit.

Nylon and elastane t-shirt bra, $80.32 by Nubian from Nordstrom, shop on SheShops

For caramel complexions

For those of the much sung-about ‘caramel complexion’ – think poster girls such as Yuna, Jennifer Lopez et al. – you can get away with almost anything. Try to avoid pinky nudes as they can wash you out, but anything from latte coloured leotards to burnt orange stilettos will look stunning on you.

For inspiration, see Malaysian musician Yuna, who modelled Hana Tajima’s collection for Uniqlo. We love their nude high-necked top for a basic neutral palette for any outfit. It’s super affordable too and comes in two shades of nude for darker skin tones!

If you’re on Freida Pinto’s range of the spectrum, chic blush tones as well as mustard yellows for a subtle colour block will contrast beautifully against your skin tone. Try some texture play too with suedes and lace.

Polyester and nylon dress, $242.20, by For Love and Lemons from Neiman Marcus, shop on SheShops

Polyester dress, $47.90 from Zalora

Strapless essential bra, $74.96 by Nubian from ASOS

For dark skin with brown and orange undertones

Image: @Vashtie / Instagram

New York-based Indo-Trinidadian Vashtie Kola is our go-to girl for darker skintoned dressing inspo. The ultra cool DJ, designer and Pharrell’s bestie is daring and the kind of woman you’d trust to share the coolest spots to hang out in NYC. If you’re looking for skin-on-skin tones, we love sensual fabrics like satin. Tailored pants in the ochre colour family will look polished and perfect for work, while khakis and camo colours will offset your complexion perfectly for off-duty looks.

Get the latest trends and news on fashion, shopping, beauty, lifestyle, relationships & celebs and invitations to fashion events, special promotions from our partners and chances to win great prizes when you sign up!